James Tennyson Knapp

About James Tennyson Knapp

I’m an aerospace and defense sales and manufacturing leader who builds and scales high-performance businesses operating systems in complex, technical environments. My foundation is mechanical engineering, advanced materials, and manufacturing, with deep experience supporting avionics, electro-optical systems, and mission-critical applications across aerospace, defense, and nuclear-related environments. I’ve worked directly with OEMs and programs including F-22, F-35, SM3, and the James Webb Space Telescope, developing and commercializing materials used in guidance systems, targeting systems, and high-performance electronics where thermal management, vibration stability, and reliability are non-negotiable. Across my career, I’ve: • Scaled an aerospace/defense materials segment from $2M to $20M • Closed multi-year $25M+ defense programs from pilot through production • Supported $50M+ aerospace programs including optics and structural components • Built long-term strategic accounts across Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, and related suppliers I combine deep technical fluency with strong commercial execution, translating complex engineering capabilities into clear business value, winning strategies, and long-term customer relationships. Today, I apply that same approach through consulting and advisory work, helping companies improve revenue growth, operational performance, and enterprise value. My focus is aligning strategy with execution, identifying constraints, and building systems that drive predictable cash flow, durable EBITDA, and scalable growth. What differentiates me is the ability to operate across domains: engineering, manufacturing, sales, economics, and leadership. I don’t just design strategy, I work at the intersection of technical reality and commercial execution to deliver measurable outcomes. Core focus areas: Aerospace • Defense • Avionics • Electro-Optical Systems • Advanced Materials • Manufacturing • OEM Sales • Government Contracting • DoD • Nuclear • Strategic Accounts • Revenue Growth • EBITDA Improvement

Experience

1. Dale Carnegie Instructor

   Dale Carnegie Training

   Jan 2012 — Present

   Conduct classes and training workshops for companies, tailored to desired outcomes and current circumstances, focused in NW Ohio and Northern Indiana. Help participants develop & grow self-confidence, interpersonal skills, enhanced communication, leadership skills, and managing stress to perform better.

Education

• The University of Toledo

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Mechanical Engineering

• The University of Toledo

  Graduate Certificate, Data Analytics in Economics

• Heidelberg University

  Masters, Business Administration

• The University of Toledo

  Master of Arts - MA, Economics

Skills

• Six Sigma
• Program Management
• Strategic Planning
• Materials Science
• Continuous Improvement
• Materials
• Process Improvement
• Procurement
• Job Estimating
• Change Management
• Manufacturing
• Strategy
• Sales Management
• Leadership
• Lean Manufacturing
• Business Development
• Digital Marketing
• Business Process Improvement
• Engineering
• Metallurgy
• Team Building
• Management
• Marketing Strategy